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Concussion could end Murphy's season early

Concussion could end Murphy's season early

MIAMI -- A concussion knocked Donnie Murphy out of the game on Wednesday at Philadelphia.

It's possible the Marlins utility infielder will miss the rest of the season, though a final decision has not yet been made as Murphy continues to be evaluated.

"He might be, could be out for the season," manager Ozzie Guillen said on Friday. "That's up in the air. They are going to have to wait a week to do another evaluation and see how he feels. After that, he has to take more time off. I don't expect him to be back."

Because it is September, and rosters expand, teams don't have to officially place players on the disabled list. But had this been before Sept. 1, Murphy would have been placed on the league's seven-day concussion disabled list.

"Oh yeah, no doubt," Guillen said.

With Murphy out, the Marlins on Friday selected the contract of Gil Velazquez, a 32-year-old veteran infielder who is on his second stint with Miami.

To make room on its 40-man roster, Miami transferred Emilio Bonifacio to the 60-day disabled list. Bonifacio had been on the 15-day DL since Aug. 22 with a right knee sprain.

In 110 games with Triple-A New Orleans, Velazquez batted .312 with 15 doubles, a triple, four homers and 42 RBIs.

The Marlins initially called up Velazquez on Aug. 16, and he played in two games at Colorado, going 1-for-8 before being designated for assignment on Aug. 19.

Velazquez, whose wife had a baby recently, was prepared to be home for the season. He was in the process of resting up before leaving in October for winter ball in Mexico.

"I would say it takes a day or two to get the legs going, and go from there," Velazquez said. "I'm not really worried about it. I'm just happy to be here."

Murphy was hurt in the sixth inning on Wednesday at Philadelphia, when he was accidentally struck in the head by Chase Utley on a slide play at third base.

Murphy, batting .205 in 50 games, has been with the Marlins since 2010.